Scarlet Lady

The 2020-built/2021-inaugurated MS Scarlet Lady cruise ship is the first in the Virgin Voyages fleet. The name was announced on July 20, 2018. Scarlet Lady's three sisterships (of the same design) are Valiant Lady (2022 May), Resilient Lady (2023 May) and Brilliant Lady (2024 March).

All Virgin cruise ships were constructed at Fincantieri's Sestri Ponente yard (near Genoa Italy).

These liners are known as "Lady Ships" - a play on "your ladyship" term regarding Virgin Group's British heritage. A number of renown designers were chosen to create a new "cruise ship" style and "adult cruising" vacation concept. For the ship's interior design, the Virgin cruise line contracted the marine architecture and naval design companies Roman and Williams (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London UK), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London UK), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas USA), PearsonLloyd (London UK).

Virgin Voyages (fka Virgin Cruises) is a new cruise line company headquartered in Plantation (Florida USA). Virgin Voyages was created in December 2014 as a joint venture between Virgin Group Ltd (UK-based multinational holding company, 49% stake) and Bain Capital LP (USA-based multi-asset investment company, 51% stake). Virgin is an adults-only cruise company (passengers' minimum age is 18) and officially starts operations in April 2020.

The vessel (IMO number 311000807) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000807) and registered in Nassau.

Scarlet Lady is owned by the company VC SHIP ONE LTD and managed/chartered by VIRGIN VOYAGES LTD.

Decks and Cabins

MS Scarlet Lady staterooms (a total of 1408 passenger cabins for 2770 guests/ max capacity is 2860) include 78x Suites, 1030x Balconies, 95x Oceanviews and 105x Interiors. The staff and crew (total 1160 people) are accommodated in 813 crew cabins.

The boat has 17 decks, of which 13 are passenger-accessible and 9 with cabins.

In mid-January 2019, Virgin Voyages announced details on the RockStar Suite cabins. Staterooms were designed by Tom Dixon Design Research Studio (interior, product and design consultancy). All staterooms are "smart", with mood lighting and sensors auto-adjusting the lighting according to passenger's movements. The cruise ship has a total of 78 cabins in the category "RockStar Suite", including 15x "Mega RockStar Suites" (9x Gorgeous, 2x Posh, 2x Fab, 2x Massive). Most of them are on Deck 15, with the above Deck 16 housing one "RockStar Suite Sailor" (bow-facing Owner Suite).

The decor is music (rock-and-roll) themed, with a retro-futuristic design, a color palette of deep blues with iridescent dichroic elements in the cabin's bathroom. Massive Suite has a separate bedroom that doubles as a music room (fitted with electric guitars and an amplifier). The cabin's terrace (bow-facing) is fitted with Jacuzzi, dining area (6-seat table with built-in stairs), lounge area (circular sofa with low table), padded sun loungers, 2 hammocks, outdoor shower, catamaran net (canopy partially covering the terrace), live plants. Keeping with the music theme, each of the 78 suites boasts a record player.

All categories RockStar Suites (SB-Brilliant, SG-Gorgeous, SP-Posh, SF-Fab, SM-Massive) have marble-clad bathrooms (with hot tubs, premium brand bath products, rain-shower heads, multi-colored dichroic glass doors and windows / Peek-a-Boo shower), Terrazzo flooring, Tom Dixon brand furniture, large mirrored vanity tables, modern L-shaped sofabeds (for 2), low tables, cabinets, 3-door wardrobe, large smart TV (55-inch), vinyl turntable (gold-plated player with a collection of records), complimentary full bar (nautically-themed barware kit), brass and leather finishing, chaise lounge chair (bedroom).

RockStar Suite passengers enjoy exclusive access to "Richard's Rooftop" (VIP club lounge located forward on Deck 16). RockStar Suites receive as perks (price-inclusive amenities and complimentary services) airport-ship transfer (via private drivers), priority helicopter arrangements, luggage assistance, private walk-down service (express VIP pathway) at Virgin Voyages Miami Cruise Terminal (upon arrival), anytime boarding, early access to special shipboard events, complimentary laundry service, clothing pressing, nightly swimsuit drying, RockStar Agents (dedicated butlers per stateroom), dedicated hair and makeup crew (upon request), complimentary Thermal Suite access (Redemption Spa), all-inclusive premium drinks (in all shipboard eateries and bars), personalized bottomless in-room bar (free of charge), option to curate in-port activities.

All Virgin cruise ship staterooms offer as standard amenities European King-size bed (premium linens, plush bedding), wall-mounted reading lamps, bedside tables, mirrored vanity table / writing desk with stool, large wardrobe, electronic safe box (in the closet), 4K smart Ultra HDTV (with infotainment system), large balcony (with padded loungers, low table, 2-seat sofa, Yellow Leaf hammock, dining table / custom-designed champagne table fitting an ice bucket). Balcony access is via floor-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Every cabin is equipped with a custom-designed "seabed" and "mood lighting" which is familiar to customers of Virgin America (part of Alaska Airlines). Cabin lights automatically adjust according to passenger's movements. There are also staterooms suited for groups (each with 4 bunk beds) and single cabins (designed for solo travelers). Staterooms are divided into 21 categories. Balcony cabins have "sea terrace" (private, step-out veranda) and are serviced by "Rockstar Coordinators" (personal assistants), while "personal wardrobe teams" provide luggage packing and unpacking.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is ticket price-inclusive - no extra charges are applied to any of the 20-plus onboard dining options. The cruise company doesn't believe in "paying more for great food", so it ditched traditional surcharges levied in specialty restaurants. All eateries on Scarlet Lady offer "exceptional made-to-order eats" - complimentary.

As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin Voyages banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies.

The company doesn't follow any traditional cruise dining concepts. Virgin ships don't have the main dining room, buffet restaurant, dress code (formal wear policy), assigned dining times or seating. All these concepts were replaced with intimate (boutique hotel-type) eateries offering 20+ dining options - all of which are included in cruise fares.

Follows the complete list of Scarlet Lady restaurants and food bars.

• The Galley (main venue for casual dining and quick meals) is modeled on popular food halls. Here guests can taste food from various onboard restaurants via 8 shops and carts, including panini shop, bakery and pastry shop, a taco shack, noodle bar, a burger grill, a sushi bar with bento boxes, soup, and salad island, 24-hour American diner.
• The Test Kitchen (laboratory-like eatery with metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes) offers "avant-garde cuisine". It is a part restaurant, part cooking school. Chef-driven menus are presented in the form of ingredient list to guests to discover how the chef combines the flavors throughout the course of each meal.
• Wake (sized 5866 ft2 / 545 m2) is a steakhouse-seafood restaurant located aft and featuring views of the ship's wake. It serves "theatrical take" food inspired by The Grill-New York and The Wolseley-London.
• Geonbae (Korean barbecue restaurant) is "hosted by the loudest servers at sea". Meals start with complimentary soju (distilled beverage) for the table with guests encouraged to take part in Korean drinking games.
• Pink Agave (Mexican restaurant) provides shared plate experience with DJ music until late. It features porthole windows, metallic lighting fixtures, large tables, elongated curved area (intimate seating with 2-seat tables), separate bar (in the Lobby), private dining room (can be booked for parties and other private events).
• Extra Virgin (trattoria restaurant) serves traditional Italian food specialties, including handmade fresh pasta.
• Dock (sized 220 ft2 / 20.4 m2 beach club-inspired restaurant) offers Mediterranean cuisine with small plates, dips, mezze, salads. The Dock features wooden deck chairs, day beds, and loungers.
• The Pizza Place (beach club-inspired restaurant) offers complimentary oven-baked gourmet pizzas by the slice.
• Razzle Dazzle is the ship's vegan-vegetarian restaurant. Part of Razzle Dazzle Restaurant is the Red Bar - juice bar offering fresh-squeezed juices and tonics, as well as crafted cocktails from a menu that varies every night. In two days per cruise, at Razzle Dazzle is hosted Drag Brunch featuring live entertainment by "sassy drag queens". Considered one of the ship's most energetic spots, Razzle Dazzle gets its design and name from the practice of camouflaging vessels during both World Wars via patterns of black and white paint.
• Sun Club Cafe - Outdoor Eatery
• The Sip is the ship's wine bar lounge (Virgin's champagne house) where along with a selection of premium wines can be enjoyed traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Virgin cruise ship passengers (Sailors) are offered complimentary water (filtered and sparkling) at all onboard bars and dining venues. Throughout the ship, there are also complimentary water stations.

Via the Sailor App (when your phone is shaken) a secret "Champagne button" allows Sailors to order Moet-Chandon Champagne (Brut Imperial, 750 ml bottle) delivered in an ice bucket and with two glasses. The service is called "Shake for Champagne" and provided anywhere on board.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Each Virgin ship features 93% oceanview cabins and 86% balconied staterooms (called "sea terraces"), casino, several live entertainment venues (similar to traditional theatre lounges).

Ship's signature venues include:

• Athletic Club (training center) is an outdoor gym area with a boxing ring and gym club equipment) located top-deck aft. Part of the Sports Deck is also the raised jogging track (Runway track, red-white colored), sundeck with open-air lounge (furnished with double daybeds and semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (220 ft2 / 20.4 m2 overlooking below decks), 10 private cabanas (cushioned bed, low table, 2 lounge chairs), beverage service (from the outdoor Sports Bar), foosball tables, swimming pool, showers. The Athletic Club on Scarlet Lady was designed by Concrete Amsterdam and inspired by New York City's sports clubs in the 1920s.
• Sun Club - Sun Worship Sanctuary
• MyBeast is an outdoor playground / poolside gym area.
• The Crow's Nest (aft sundeck) offers 360-degree views and is furnished with loungers and mats colored in Virgin's signature red. Here are also hosted sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga classes.
• The B Complex is an indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment, floor-ceiling windows and separate rooms (studios) for cycling, yoga, cardio and spinning classes.
• Gym and Tonic Bar serves cold-pressed fresh juices.
• Aquatic Club Sundeck - Poolside Oasis and Aquatic Club Bar.
• Two Pools (including the Well-being Pool - ship's main pool surrounded by an adult playground and fitness apparatus named MyBeast).
• The Manor is the ship's 2-deck high Disco Nightclub with a large dance floor. The NYC-based design studio Roman and Williams designed Scarlet Lady's ballroom, The Manor, which is a venue for innovative entertainment, dancing, music, and fun, destined to be one of the most exciting spots onboard. The Manor Nightclub was inspired by Richard Branson's first Virgin music studio of the same name and has been expertly outfitted with platforms, corners, and details that make it both somewhere to see and to be seen.
• The Dock is an outdoor lounge (aft on Deck 7) with cushioned wooden furniture (loungers, deckchairs, daybeds).
• Richard's Rooftop is a top-deck VIP area (Suite passengers only sundeck) furnished with daybeds, deckchairs, circular loungers, large umbrellas, colored crystals. Named after the company's founder Richard Branson, it has a futuristic feel with giant umbrellas, circular loungers, and accents of colored crystals that cast rainbow reflections.
• "Ministry of Ground" and "Ministry of Ground Too" are specialty coffee bars serving Intelligentsia coffee (Virgin Voyages Blend) and made-to-order beverages made by expert baristas. Ministry of Ground (designed by Softroom of London) is located midship on Deck 7 (in The Galley food market) and features round-shaped/porthole-type large windows with window seats, purple and aquamarine hues for seating, comfy loungers and modern tables. In addition to the hand-crafted Intelligentsia Coffee brews, passengers receive complimentary cakes and light bites. Retail items (bags of Intelligentsia Coffee and JoJo loose-leaf teas, kettles, coffee cups, and others) are available for purchase.
• Redemption is the ship's Spa complex (on Deck 5) consisting of Reception, Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite (indoor spa with porthole windows, plunge pool, Jacuzzi, heated quartz beds, mud room, cold-plunges, sauna, salt room), treatment rooms (for massages and treatments) with quartz-mattress beds, Dry Dock Salon (hairdressing services), Stubble and Groom (barbershop), Blow Dry Bar, Male pedicure Spa, Mani-pedi Spa. At night, the wellness complex transforms into a dancing lounge with live DJ music.
• The Scene Event Space
• Squid Ink is a tattoo studio via a partnership with World Famous Tattoo Ink. The facility is operated by two full-time tattoo artists (handpicked by Lou Rubino Jr) plus celebrity artists. All tattoos are created by using original vegan ink. Other services at Squid Ink include body piercings and permanent makeup treatments (using certified vegan Perma Blend pigments).
• The Red Room was designed by theatre consultants Auerbach Pollock Friedlander and renowned architects WorkAC as the first-ever transformational multi-form theatre at sea. The Red Room transforms into 4 different configurations: an alley stage used in fashion shows, a traditional Proscenium stage, a dance flat-floor configuration, and a unique reverse stage setup. The first at-sea theatre enables the cruise line to create different experiences for each day of the cruise. Scarlet Lady offers 6 original shows that include production by Randy Weiner (The Donkey Show, Queen of the Night, Sleep No More).
• The Groupie (privately bookable karaoke room/for sing-alongs) also doubles as Cinema and VIP Casino (gaming lounge).
• The Den Flex Event Space
• DJs in residence who perform on Scarlet Lady (at call ports and at Virgin's Bimini Bahamas destination) include British musician Mark Ronson, NYC-based band "Sofi Tukker" and DJ MK (Marc Kinchen).
• Voyage Vinyl (record store) features listening stations, record collections and a DJ spot for live performances (by resident and guest DJs).
• "JLo Beauty" is an onboard shop selling skincare products of Jennifer Lopez's brand "JLo Beauty & Lifestyle".
• Draught Haus (on deck 7, adjacent to Voyage Vinyl) is the ship's taproom - an exclusive bar serving craft beers.

Draught Haus offers 8 different draft beers, also boilermakers (beer cocktails), bottled craft beers, shots, shot-cocktails. The bar also provides growler/jug service that allows passengers to take their drinks throughout the ship (public spaces and in cabins). The beerhouse features themed furniture, rustic decor, a beer tap display (behind the bar).

Onboard MS Scarlet Lady is served Virgin's own brand of craft beer (English Pale Ale) created by Wynwood Brewing Company (Miami). For the new "Virgin cruise beer" is used English yeast and American malts and hops.

In April 2023, Virgin Voyages signed a partnership deal with WPT/World Poker Tour (2002-founded, internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand). The premium poker experience is offered on Scarlet Lady during all 4-5-night Caribbean itineraries. The ship's new WPT at Sea Poker Room is fitted with 8 poker tables and served by professional dealers. The new gaming venue hosts beginner training sessions, as well as cash games and WPT Prize Package poker tournaments with buy-ins between US$80-320. The US$320 buy-in WPT Prize tournament is held once per cruise. The prize (US$5000) can be used on any future voyage or WPT tournament.

Virgin cruise deals

In regard to onboard gratuities, the company has "No Tipping" policy, which means all gratuities are included in the base cruise fares. Also included in basic fares are beverages, all eateries, group fitness classes. The company also doesn't charge penalties or change fees. Customers are able to hold staterooms for 24 hours with no money down once they've placed a 20% non-refundable deposit. They also have a 7-day grace period allowing them to change bookings for any reason. Cruise departure date and names on bookings can be changed without fees or penalties.

Shortly before opening the bookings on Scarlet Lady (Feb 14, 2019), Virgin announced all-inclusive deal policy by which cruises are sold "by cabin price". Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hours), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. Cabin pricing only varies by the number of occupants. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees).

Itineraries

In early-April 2021, Virgin announced that after multiple delays, Scarlet Lady will debut on August 6, 2021 (Inaugural Cruise date) with a mini-season in the UK. The "Summer Soiree" sailings (3-4-day cruises to nowhere roundtrip from homeport Portsmouth England) were open for booking (to UK residents only) on April 13, 2021.

Virgin's Scarlet Lady inaugural season (2021) is based on 4-5-day Caribbean roundtrips leaving from homeport Miami (Florida USA). During the maiden season (originally 2020), the ship was also planned to visit Cuba. Virgin's decision was influenced by conducted customer and travel agency research in the UK and North America. All cruises to Cuba offered an overnight in Havana, allowing passengers ("sailors") to explore the country's capital and its unique nightlife.

• 5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Costa Maya (Mexico). In Mexico, shore excursions include scuba diving (coral reefs) and Mayan ruins.
• 5-day "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Puerto Plata (Dominicana) or Bahamas (Bimini Islands). In the Dominican Rep, shore excursions include trekking, surfing, and shopping.
• 4-day "Havana After Dark" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Bimini Islands.

The liner will be also seasonally deployed in Europe (via Transatlantic crossings), with planned visits to several major Mediterranean and UK ports (including Dover and Liverpool).

Virgin cruise bookings on Scarlet Lady opened on February 5, 2019 (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on February 14 (for the general public). Following the June 5, 2019-issued US Government restrictions on the USA to Cuba travel, Virgin Voyages revised all scheduled itineraries to exclude Havana. The new/revised itineraries offer late-night call port departures (some at midnight).

• 5-night "Riviera Maya" itinerary visits Playa Del Carmen (across Cozumel Island), with opportunities to explore archaeological and ecological sites or touring the neighbouring Tulum (walled Mayan city).
• 4-night "Fire and Sunset Soirees" (short-breaks) visit Key West Florida (sunset departure) and Bimini Bahamas (with a late-night beach bonfire party and midnight departure).
• 7-night itineraries (for Xmas 2020 holidays/cancelled) included the themed cruises "Holidaze and Nights" and "New Year's Ahoy" visiting Puerto Plata (Dominicana) with Bimini Bahamas and San Juan Puerto Rico.

All Virgin Scarlet Lady cruises visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

MS Scarlet Lady's Maiden Voyage from the USA is currently scheduled for September 22, 2021 (4-day "Fire Sunset Soirees" itinerary).

Scarlet Lady ship's construction (Fincantieri yard/hull number 6287) started with the steel-cutting ceremony held on March 22, 2017. Vessel's keel-laying ceremony was on October 31, 2017, attended by Giovanni Toti (Liguria's President), Marco Bucci (Genoa's Mayor), Richard Branson (Virgin Group's founder), Tom McAlpin (Virgin Voyages' President and CEO) and Alberto Maestrini (Fincantieri's General Manager). Boy George (UK singer, songwriter, fashion designer) performed as superstar DJ. During the ceremony were revealed ship design and hull art.

On July 20, 2018, was the drydock's flooding, during which 2 drydock-assembled hull sections were floated out and connected. On the same day (also at Sestri Ponente Shipyard, near Genoa) was held the steel-cutting ceremony for the second Virgin cruise liner (Valiant Lady).

The vessel's launch (float-out from drydock) was on February 8, 2019. The special ceremony was attended by Tom McAlpin (Virgin Voyages President and CEO), Luigi Matarazzo (Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division's Director) and Paolo Capobianco (Sestri Ponente Shipyard's Director). The ceremony's godmother was Giuliana Rindone (shipyard employee). The ship successfully completed the Mediterranean sea trials in November 22-30 navigating between Genoa and Marseille and back. On Nov 27, the 69-year-old Richard Branson, together with his family (wife Joan and kids Holly and Sam) boarded the vessel in Marseille.

The Bahamas-flagged vessel Scarlet Lady (MMSI 311000807, registered in Nassau) was officially delivered to Virgin Voyages on February 14, 2020. The delivery ceremony was attended by Tom McAlpin (Virgin's President and CEO), Giampiero Massolo (Fincantieri's President and Chairman), Giuseppe Bono (Fincantieri's CEO) and Marco Bucci (Genoa City's Mayor).

The ship's first Master/Captain was Wendy Williams. Her appointment was announced in June 2019 by Sir Richard Branson. Captain Wendy Williams (from Sept-Iles Quebec) became the first Canadian woman appointed Master of a major cruise line vessel. She has 28+ years of maritime service (as of 2019), including on commercial fishing vessels, ferryboats and large cruise liners (15+ years). By the Scarlet Squad (recruitment and training program), Virgin Voyages hired Captain Williams plus 12+ other female officers for Scarlet Lady, including for the positions Hotel Director (Jill Anderson), Safety Officer (Christin Wenge), Environmental Officer (Lindsay Kerber), as well as engineers and 2nd and 3rd officers.

Scarlet Lady refurbishment 2024 review

The ship's last drydock refurbishment (November 14-28, 2024) featured major upgrades and enhancements, including new suites, refreshing dining venues, and expanding bar and lounge areas.

To increase capacity, several Sea Terrace cabins on Deck 11th were converted into 24x Seriously Suite staterooms. The 350-ft2 accommodations are fitted with European King-size beds, Peek-a-Boo showers, in-room record players with vinyls, fully-stocked bars, and Virgin Voyages’ iconic Yellow Leaf hammocks on the balconies.

Additionally, the Razzle Dazzle restaurant introduced the new dinner concept "Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle", offering a Chinese-inspired menu and craft cocktails in a more intimate setting.

The Galley’s coffee bar/food hall Ground Club Too was transformed into a full-service nightclub/bar lounge, offering elevated cocktails and Intelligentsia Coffee.

The Wake (steakhouse/seafood restaurant) adopted a raw bar to highlight its exclusive premium wine selection.

On Deck 16th were added 6x VIP cabanas (with luxury daybeds, overlooking the Aquatic Club) available for private bookings or group celebrations.

The Casino was upgraded with more slot machines.

To the wellness complex/Redemption Spa was added a Couples Treatment Room while the existing Thermal Suite remained untouched.

Scarlet Lady refurbishment 2022 review

During the vessel's first drydocking (2022 January-February), all staterooms were updated while the ship was operational (deployed in the Caribbean) and carrying passengers. Noise-generating works were conducted during the stays in PortMiami (between the voyages).

The refurb project included refreshing the cabins' interiors by adding authentic artworks, new-theme linens and decorative pillows (with nautical stripes), vertical wooden beams (decorating the wall facing the bed), more wooden furniture (increasing the drawers and storage space).

Virgin ship technology

Virgin cruise ships are with passenger capacity 2750 (plus 1150 crew), GT tonnage 110,000 tons, ABB Azipod XO propulsion system (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360--degree rotating propellers). These units provide the best maneuverability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) and minimal vibrations/noise. By placing the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for more lower-deck staterooms. ABB Ability technology is based on a network using real-time data transferred to remote centers monitoring and analyzing the propulsion system data and also offering remote technical support.

These vessels stand out with innovative design ideas and solutions, as well as the latest marine technologies for energy recovery and environmental impact reduction. Ship's cleaning energy system is provided by the Swedish company Climeon Ocean. The technology allows reducing CO2 emissions by converting diesel engines generated heat into electricity (capacity approx 1 MW) for onboard use. Each of the Virgin liners has 6 such units, saving annually approx 5400 tons of CO2. The ship's waste processing system is provided by Scanship.

Wartsila (Finnish marine technologies corporation / former shipbuilder) was contracted to provide ships' powerplants. Each liner is powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder "Wartsila 46F" marine diesel engines. Wartsila's Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open and closed-loop and uses seawater to remove SOx from the vessel's exhaust, also significantly reducing NOx emissions. The Wartsila-made navigation and automation control systems are from the company's latest NACOS Platinum series.

Alternative power is provided by 4-stroke engines powering the 4 electricity gen-sets, each equipped with TPL-C turbochargers (by ABB).

In February 2020 Virgin announced "The Band" - smart wearable technology introduced on Scarlet Lady (April 1st). The device is made from recycled marine plastic (sustainability initiative) and developed via partnership with The Bionic Company. The lightweight device (RFID wristband) is mailed to all passengers and is complimentary (keepsake). The Band is activated upon boarding the ship and used for onboard purchases and payments (beverages, Casino gaming), booking tours, cabin access (room key), room service ordering (points guest's current location), VIP pass (for Richard's Rooftop).

In early-April 2021 was announced that following multiple delays, Scarlet Lady's Maiden Voyage (August 6, 2021) will start a mini-season in the UK. The "Summer Soirees" (3-4-day cruises to nowhere roundtrip from Portsmouth England) were open for booking (to UK residents only) on April 13, 2021.

The mini UK season ended on September 3, when the liner left Portsmouth Harbour for the Transatlantic crossing to the USA (NYC New York). The Caribbean Maiden Voyage departed on October 6. The 4-day "Fire Sunset Soirees" itinerary was themed "MerMaiden Voyage". Its prices started at USD 1700 (EUR 1430 / GBP 1230) per person with double occupancy.

Godspeed!

Inaugural itineraries 2020-2021 (CANCELED)

In early-April 2021, Virgin Voyages canceled all ex-USA cruises on Scarlet Lady previously scheduled for the period July 4 through September 17 (2021). With the latest cancellations, a total of 102x Caribbean roundtrips (from PortMiami) were canceled in a one-year period (April 2020-2021).

Next table shows the ship's MAIDEN VOYAGE from the USA in 2021 (4-day "Fire Sunset Soirees" itinerary) priced from USD 1170 per person (GBP 855 / EUR 985) with double occupancy.

Virgin also announced that after multiple delays, Scarlet Lady will debut on August 6, 2021 (Inaugural Cruise date) with a mini-season in the UK. The sailings (all roundtrips from homeport Portsmouth England) were open for booking to UK residents only.

Next tables show the canceled inaugural cruise itineraries (originally planned maiden voyages from PortMiami by length and theme) as call port sequences, port stay times (arrival/departure) and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

Scarlet Lady's ever-first cruise was planned to start on April 1, 2020. However, due to the Coronavirus crisis, Virgin Voyages cancelled (CruiseMinus) a total of 102 departures from PortMiami.

4-day "Inaugural Cruise" ("Havana After Dark" itinerary) - from USD 4100 pp

5-day "Havana After Dark" itinerary - from USD 4300 pp

5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary - from USD 3800 pp

On June 26, 2019, Virgin announced that Scarlet Lady will be chartered for a themed LGBTQ+ cruise ("lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender") by Atlantis Events. The charter deal was confirmed by Rich Campbell (Atlantis Events' President and CEO).

Following the June 2019-issued US Government ban on the USA to Cuba group travel, Virgin Voyages revised all scheduled itineraries by replacing Havana. The new/revised itineraries have late-night call port departures (including at midnight).

4-day "Fire And Sunset Soirees" itinerary (from USD 3550 pp)

5-day "Riviera Maya" itinerary (from USD 3400 pp)

5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary (from USD 3400 pp)

5-day "Dominican Daze" itinerary (from USD 2200 pp)

In mid-November 2019 were announced two pre-inaugural (themed "Sneak-a-Peek") mini-cruises. The 3-night voyages (March 26-29, and March 29 - April 1) were both Miami roundtrips visiting only Bimini Bahamas.

In late-October were canceled all December 2020 departures (6 more cruises) including two holiday-themed voyages.

7-day Christmas "Holidays And Nights" - from USD 2600 pp

7-day "New Years Ahoy" - from USD 3250 pp

In mid-December 2020, Virgin canceled all Scarlet Lady cruises (PortMiami-roundtrips) scheduled for January 3 through and including May 5, 2021. The ship's Inaugural Cruise was rescheduled from January 3 (5-day "Dominican Daze") to May 9 (5-day "Riviera Maya"). The cancellation affected a total of 25 departures from PortMiami.

Virgin Cruises' private island resort "Bimini Beach Club" (Bahamas)

The liner Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship to stop at "Bimini Beach Club" (Virgin Group's private island resort in Bimini Bahamas). The exclusive destination allows Virgin's Sailors to enjoy world-class entertainment from a rotating cast of DJs led by Mark Ronson.

Virgin's Bimini Beach Club offers premium food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bahamian favorites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, Bahamian rum cake. The complex has 6 bars, outdoor lounge areas with hammock groves, beach loungers, watersport activities, (optional/at extra cost) private poolside and beach-side cabanas for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast.

Virgin's private resort is located on North Bimini Island and at a short bus transfer from the docking pier. It was built via a partnership with Resorts World Bimini. This is a 750-acres (3 km2 / 1,2 mi2) beachfront resort-casino-marina-hotel complex operated by Genting Group (Malaysia-based multinational corporation). North Bimini is approx 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami. Resort's estimated building cost is USD 220 million.

Virgin's Bimini Beach Club overlooks the sea and features a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The "resort experience" also features morning open-air exercises (yoga and meditation), afternoon DJ poolside parties, night beach bonfires and live musical performances.